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April 9, 2012

G4: Red Sox 4, Blue Jays 2

After the Red Sox rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth, Alfredo Aceves set down the Blue Jays in order, getting two ground balls to shortstop and a strikeout. He threw 15 pitches, 11 strikes.

Doubront (5-4-2-3-6, 101) kept the Sox in the game, but threw too many pitches in each inning (18-19-22 21-21). Scott Atchison was very impressive, working quickly and throwing three shutout innings, allowing only an infield single.

Dustin Pedroia homered in the sixth and he got the Boston rally going in the ninth, also. He whacked a double to left on a Sergio Santos pitch up around his eyes. He took third on a passed ball and scored the tying run on Adrian Gonzalez's sacrifice fly to left.

After Kevin Youkilis struck out (he's 0-for-12 this year), Santos walked David Ortiz and Cody Ross. Ryan Sweeney singled to right and pinch-runner Darnell McDonald scored as Jose Bauista's throw from shallow right bounced twice and hopped past catcher J.P. Arencibia. A wild pitch scored Ross with the third run of the inning. Santos then walked Jarrod Saltamacchia before being yanked.

Rookie left-hander Doubront will make the fourth start of his career and his first since July 2010. Doubront allowed five runs in 16.2 spring innings (2.70), walking six and striking out 10.

It is the Blue Jays' home opener. The start time has been changed from 7:00 to 7:30.

Ten of Boston's next 12 games will be against the AL East. After three games in Toronto, the Red Sox come home to face the Rays (four games), Rangers (two), and Yankees (three).

The Blue Jays won two of their three games against Cleveland. They won 7-4 in 16 innings on Opening Day (the longest OD game in MLB history), won 7-4 in 12 innings, and lost 4-3. It was the first time in franchise history that the Jays started the season with two extra-inning games.